South Africa v Australia TRC RD.5 Preview

Australia arrived in South Africa having ended a losing streak in the Rugby
Championship but still under a cloud following the suspension of winger James
O'Connor.

The Wallabies moved off the bottom of the Rugby Championship standings with
their victory over Argentina in the last round but that result showed that they
have much work to do.

Australia's forwards struggled in their 14-13 victory over Argentina's Pumas
and will have a much tougher test this weekend as South Africa have named their
big and physical pack again.

South Africa's Springboks are still reeling from their loss to the All Blacks
in which Bismarck du Plessis was sent off only to have his red card withdrawn.
The match result could have been a lot closer and would have no doubt finished
as a nail biter but only die-hard Bok fans seem to believe that they would have
won anyway.

The last time South Africa played Australia was just three weeks ago and they
won with a record score so given the way Australia have struggled this year
at home few are predicting a Wallaby victory this weekend.

South Africa's Springboks have played Australia's Wallabies 77 times and they
have won 43 times which gives them an overall record of winning 56% of the matches.

The average score when South Africa play Australia across all venues is South
Africa 19 Australia 18.

The Springboks have hosted Australia in South Africa 41 times since 1933 and
they have won 31, lost 10 and drawn none.

That gives South Africa a record of winning 76% of their matches against Australia
in South Africa.

The average score when South Africa host Australia is South Africa 22 Australia
14.

From those 41 matches played on South African soil 10 matches have been played
at Newlands which is the venue this weekend.

South Africa have won 7 matches and lost three matches against Australia in
the Cape Town stadium Newlands.

The average score when South Africa play Australia at Newlands is South Africa
16 Australia 14.

To combat South Africa's physicality Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has beefed
up his pack and regular captain James Horwill returns to the starting line up.

O'Connor has been replaced on the wing by Adam Ashley-Cooper and Tevita Kuridrani
will make his debut opposite Jean de Villiers who will be winning his 91st cap.

Brumbies half back Nic White has retained his place ahead of Will Genia

The Springboks have given a first start to Fourie du Preez since 2011 and Bismarck
du Plessis has been rotated with Adriaan Strauss starting at hooker.

Morne Steyn and Jannie du Plessis will be winning their 50th caps for the Springboks.

South Africa's home advantage would ordinarily be a significant factor in predicting
the result for this match but as Australia have shown few signs that they have
adapted to new coach Ewen McKenzie's game few are predicting an Australian win
this weekend.